The effort to recall Town Councilors Mike Demos and Peter Riordan is over after Town Manager Troy Clarkson received word Tuesday that the recall petitions do not meet the required legal standards.

Amy Carboneau

The effort to recall Town Councilors Mike Demos and Peter Riordan is over after Town Manager Troy Clarkson received word Tuesday that the recall petitions do not meet the required legal standards.

“Effectively,” said Clarkson, “it ends the recall.”

Tuesday night’s special council meeting was canceled because of the decision.

“It was deemed unnecessary,” said Clarkson, who said it would not make sense for the council to discuss something that is invalid.

On the agenda, councilors were scheduled to discuss the recall petitions.

On Oct. 6, organizers turned in petitions to the town clerk’s office to recall Demos, of District 3, and Riordan, of District 7, on the grounds that both had ‘‘shown an unwillingness to work within the provisions of the recently passed town charter.”

Clarkson hired Taunton lawyer and City Councilor Jason Buffington as an outside expert while Town Attorney Mark Gildea was on vacation. Buffington questioned the validity of the petitions at the Oct. 18 council meeting.

At its previous meeting, the council voted 4-3 to dismiss Buffington and hire its own attorney.

But Buffington stayed, citing Section 2:6 of the town charter, which states: “The Town Council shall not direct or request the appointment or employment of any person or the removal of any person or in any manner attempt to participate in the appointment or removal of a person in the administrative service of the town for which the town manager is responsible.”

Just after 1 p.m. Tuesday, Clarkson received an official letter from Buffington as to why he considered the petitions to be invalid.

Citing three separate court cases, he said the petitions do not meet “affidavit” status – a document sworn before someone qualified to administer an oath or one made under penalty of perjury.”

Clarkson said it is yet to be determined whether it is all over – although he said he hopes it is.

“As I’ve said many times, I hope we can renew our focus on doing the people’s business and keep that as our primary focus,” said Clarkson.

Another special council meeting is scheduled for Thursday night at 7:30. But that may change, said Clarkson.

Council President Scott Pitta could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Amy Carboneau may be reached at acarboneau@enterprisenews.com, or follow her on Twitter @amycarboneau.